Your air conditioner labors through these summer months, particularly throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, Fort Bend County, and deep West Harris County. But if your utility bill is rising higher than usual, it could be an indication that your cooling system isn’t working as efficiently as it could.
If that rings a bell, read on for our best advice to lower your cooling bills this summer.
Why Are My Cooling Bills So High?
Above-average cooling bills usually indicate something is amiss with your air conditioner or heat pump. Usual suspects are:
- Worn parts or low refrigerant levels (too little or too much refrigerant can lead to issues).
- Airflow problems from dirty air filters or obstructed air registers (hidden sometimes behind curtains or furniture).
- Faulty thermostat readings due to nearby heat sources such as lamps, TVs, candles, wax warmers, or digital picture frames that are too close to the thermostat.
- Construction errors, like air supply grills that have been installed in the wrong direction, letting additional heat into your house.
Can Smart Thermostats Help Save Money?
Yes! Smart thermostats will increase your HVAC efficiency through easy scheduling and remote control. Going on vacation? Schedule your thermostat to save you energy when you’re away and cool your house just before your return. Most smart thermostats also alert you if your system is not functioning correctly, so you can identify issues early.
Before buying, talk to your go-to HVAC technician to check whether it will be compatible with your existing setup. They can assist in installation and warranty claims too.
Should I Turn Off the AC When I’m Not Home?
In fact, shutting off your AC altogether during the day isn’t the best approach in Katy’s sweltering heat. It makes your home warm up considerably, so your system must work extra hard and longer to cool down again—spending you more energy in the long term. Instead, increase your thermostat by 6-7 degrees when you’re out to conserve money without overloading your AC.
Are Social Media Cooling Hacks Safe?
Watch out for cooling tips on social media. Some “quick fixes,” such as misting water on your condenser or shading it with umbrellas, can damage your system or lower efficiency. If unsure, always call your HVAC expert.
10 Simple Ways to Trim Your Cooling Expenses
- Change Your Air Filters Frequently: Clean filters ensure your system operates efficiently and won’t allow airflow obstructions.
- Learn to Program Your Smart Thermostat: If you’re not sure, have your HVAC technician assist you in fine-tuning your settings.
- Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure it’s in “cool” or “auto” mode in summer—not “heat.”
- Monitor Your Energy Usage: Monitor your electricity bills to identify abnormal spikes and fix them early.
- Use Ceiling Fans: Fans generate a cooling wind that allows you to increase the thermostat a few degrees without discomfort.
- Cool Your Home Overnight: Decrease the thermostat at night to lower daytime cooling loads.
- Block Heat from Windows and Doors: Close blinds or shades, particularly on west-facing windows. Use ceramic window tint for added protection.
- Select Light Roof Colors: Replace your roof with a lighter color, as it will reflect more heat and keep your home cooler.
- Design Your Landscaping: Plant trees and shrubs to shade south- and west-facing walls and decrease heat gain.
- Cut Indoor Heat Sources: Prepare meals outdoors or on appliances such as instant pots and grills, which create less heat than stovetops and ovens.
What Creates the Largest Jump in Cooling Bills?
The number one problem we encounter is improper refrigerant levels—too much or too little. This affects system efficiency and can only be accurately diagnosed by a qualified HVAC technician.
When Should I Replace My HVAC System?
If your equipment is more than 12–20 years old (shorter near coasts) or requires costly repairs, it may be time to replace it. New HVAC equipment is significantly more efficient, comes with new refrigerants, and can pay off in the long run. Fall and spring are usually the best times of year to shop for new equipment.
Get Your AC Tuned Up Before Summer
A spring tune-up serves to catch minor problems before they turn into expensive issues on the hottest summer days. Your service technician can also recommend enhancing cooling for troublesome rooms or check whether it’s time for an upgrade.
Professional HVAC Assistance in Katy, Texas
If your cooling bills are higher than expected, contact Terry’s A/C & Heating at 281-495-7830 for fast, reliable service. Serving Katy, Fort Bend County, and Far West Houston since 1982, our family-owned business is ready to help with repairs, maintenance, or replacements to keep your home comfortable year-round.